Long span solar collector support system

Abstract

A long span solar collector mounting system with a deployable truss structure centered beneath the beam, and a single centered vertical support and a stabilizing end support, for mounting solar panels and other equipment on roofs and other surfaces, that can be tilted to a desired angle with respect to the ground, and can be rotated about its vertical axis to maximize solar production, with a vertical member that is offset to direct resultant wind loads directly through the base thereby minimizing twisting or bending stresses on roof structures, with beam clamping capability for attaching to roof beams below the roof with only access above the roof, that can be tilted during and after installation for reroofing and servicing access, with angled retaining nuts that provide secure attachment of solar panels and other equipment.

I claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus comprising a long span beam assembly consisting of:
 a top chord having a first end and a second end; 
 one base support adapted for attachment to a roof beam, comprising:
 a support post having a first end and a second end; 
 a lifting bar slidably engaging apertures formed in said support post and adjustably positionable between said first and second ends of said support post; 
 a lifting bolt passing through an aperture formed in said first end of said support post and threadably engaged to said lifting bar; and 
 a pair of opposing beam clamps pivotally connected to opposite ends of said lifting bar and adapted for gripping opposite sides of the roof beam; 
 
 one vertical member having a first end attached to said top chord and a second end rotatably and tiltably connected to said base support; 
 a first lower chord having a first end attached to said second end of said vertical member and a second end attached to said top chord between said first end of said vertical member and said second end of said top chord; 
 a second lower chord having a first end attached to said second end of said vertical member and a second end attached to said top chord between said first end of said vertical member and said first end of said top chord; and 
 a removable mounting pin passing through apertures formed in said vertical member and said base support, 
 wherein said first end of said vertical member is closer to said second end of said top chord than to said first end of said top chord, 
 said top chord, said vertical member, and said first and second lower chords form a rigid structure tiltable and rotatable relative to said base support, and 
 said pair of opposing beam clamps are displaced toward said first end of said base assembly by rotation of said lifting bolt, thereby gripping said roof beam, 
 whereby offsetting said vertical member from a center position of said top chord directs a wind load resultant force on said apparatus through said base support and a bending load on the roof beam is reduced.